Analysis of the determinants of the return to a normal life of children and adolescents after treatment of cancer

Introduction: The aim of the study was to assess factors that may impede the normal functioning of childhood cancer survivors. The following parameters were included: physical health; psychological well-being and self-perception; relationships in the family and the organization of family life; the school environment; social acceptance (support); and the frequency of follow-up.

Material and methods: We studied a total of 100 people: 50 patients (mean = 13.5 years; standard deviation = 3.7 years; median = 14 years) and 50 parents (mean = 40.3 years; standard deviation = 6.4 years, median = 39 years; 79% mothers) using the original questionnaire surveys. To conduct statistical analysis Statistica 7.0 was used.

Results: More than half of the children had a sense of restrictions in physical activity, with some of them specifying the limitation of physical activity as significant. Children who are assessed as being more efficient than peers have significantly shorter treatment time than other children. The number and the intensity of negative emotions and thoughts perceived by children after treatment for cancer are related to the duration of the treatment. However, the frequency of follow-up does not affect the intensity of negative emotions felt by children. Parent’s over-protective attitude occurs not only in the course of the disease, but is also maintained after the end of treatment. The relationships in the family and the organization of family life change after the onset of cancer, and are independent of the length of the treatment. Both parents of survivors, as well as the patients themselves, report after the completion of treatment an average level of backlog of school work.